Bravecto or Simparica: Which Dog Flea and Tick Treatment is Better?

Parasites are a real threat for dogs, and it can be challenging to choose a parasite treatment that is right for your dog from plenty of options available in the market. Especially when you are comparing popular options like Bravecto and Simparica, selecting one can be confusing. Both of these oral treatments are formulated to protect dogs against fleas and ticks. But they contain different active ingredients, and so differ in how they fit in your dog’s parasite prevention routine.

In this article, we discuss Bravecto vs Simparica flea and tick treatments to help you understand the similarities and differences between them, which may help you make an informed decision.

Key takeaways

• Bravecto and Simparica are oral flea and tick treatments for dogs.
• Bravecto and Simparica are available in a flavoured, chewable tablet format.
• Bravecto and Simparica contain different ingredients and have different minimum age requirements.
• Bravecto offers up to 3 months of flea protection, 4 months of paralysis tick protection and 2 months of brown dog tick and bush tick protection, whereas Simparica is administered monthly.
• The best flea and tick treatment option for your dog depends on their age, weight, lifestyle, health condition, and parasite exposure.

Bravecto and Simparica: An Overview

Here is a brief overview of both parasite treatments, a first step in addressing the dilemma of selecting Bravecto or Simparica.

Bravecto Chews for Dogs

Bravecto is a tasty chewable tablet that offers long-lasting flea and paralysis tick protection to dogs, with one treatment every three months (2 months for brown dog ticks and bush ticks). This chew provides wide parasite coverage:

• Fleas: Treats and prevents flea infestations for 3 months. It kills newly emerged adult fleas before they lay eggs and helps prevent flea tapeworm infestations. Bravecto can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).
• Ticks: Treats and controls paralysis ticks for 4 months and treats and controls brown dog ticks and bush ticks for 2 months.
• Other parasites: Effective for the treatment and control of ear mites, demodex mites and sarcoptic mange.

This fluralaner chew is flavoured with hydrolysed pork protein and is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age and at least 2 kg of body weight.

Simparica for Dogs

Simparica is a fast-acting, liver-flavoured chew that provides protection against multiple parasites for up to 35 days. This monthly treatment offers protection against various parasites:

• Fleas: Treats, controls, and prevents flea infestations, and can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). It breaks the flea life cycle by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs, and thus helps prevent the risk of further environmental flea infestations.
• Ticks: Treats and controls paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, and bush ticks.
• Other parasites: Treats and controls ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and demodex mites.

This sarolaner chew is suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age and at least 1.3 kg body weight.

How are Bravecto and Simparica similar?

Bravecto and Simparica have some common characteristics. Here is a quick look at the similarities between the two products:

• Both are oral flea and tick treatments for dogs.
• Simparica and Bravecto both are available in flavoured chewable tablet format.
• Both treatments are suitable for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age. The minimum age requirement differs, though.
• Both Bravecto and Simparica treat and prevent flea infestations; treat and control brown dog ticks, bush ticks, and paralysis ticks; help with the treatment and control of ear mites, demodex mites, and sarcoptic mange; and can be used as part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).

What is the difference between Bravecto and Simparica?

Here are the key differences between these two flea and tick treatments:

• Ingredients: Bravecto contains fluralaner as an active ingredient, whereas the active ingredient in Simparica is sarolaner.
• Parasite coverage: In addition to the common parasite coverage, Bravecto is labelled for the prevention of flea tapeworm infestations.
• Length of protection: There is a significant difference in the duration of protection these products offer. A dose of Bravecto is effective against fleas for 3 months, paralysis ticks for 4 months, and brown dog ticks and bush ticks for 2 months. In contrast, one dose of Simparica chew protects against parasites for one month.
• Minimum weight requirement: Bravecto is suitable for dogs from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 2 kg; Simparica is suitable for dogs from 8 weeks of age and weighing at least 1.3 kg.
• Suitability: Bravecto can be used in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs with a veterinarian’s consultation. The safe use of Simparica in breeding dogs and pregnant or lactating female dogs has not been evaluated.

Bravecto Vs Simparica: A Comparative Analysis

The table below offers side-by-side Simparica vs Bravecto features comparison:

Which is better for fleas and ticks, Bravecto or Simparica?

Both Bravecto and Simparica offer protection against fleas, multiple tick species, ear mites, demodex mites, and sarcoptic mange. Neither is universally better than the other. The selection of the one for your dog depends on your dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, health considerations, and the parasite risk in your area.

The selection between the two also depends on Bravecto vs Simparica duration. If you want to opt for fewer doses per year and are looking for a treatment with longer dosing intervals Bravecto can be a suitable option. And if you are comfortable with a monthly dosing schedule, Simparica may be more suitable for your pet.

One thing to note: it is recommended to always consult a veterinarian before starting with a new treatment or changing your dog’s flea and tick treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Simparica or Bravecto better for dogs?

A. No treatment is better than the other in general. The selection of one depends on factors like your dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, expected parasite coverage, existing health condition, and your vet’s recommendation.

Q. Does Bravecto last longer than Simparica?

A. Yes. According to the product label, Bravecto treats and prevents flea infestations for 3 months, treats and controls paralysis ticks for 4 months, and treats and controls brown dog ticks and bush ticks for 2 months. In comparison, Simparica is a monthly treatment.

Q. Can Bravecto and Simparica be used together?

A. Both treatments offer similar parasite coverage. Using them together is generally unnecessary. Do not combine parasite treatments unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it.